Deepwood Weald arctocephalus

How had mother done it? Sulukinak had never been brave enough to see, and wondered often about it. Nukilik had said the men who visited were after one thing or another, and they would not stay, but a bargain was a bargain; better they not know of the cubs, in case they were dangerous.

Here was not the island. Here was where the hungry men roamed, seeking the sun. Here the winter had barely touched upon the land and the days remained bright (for a few hours anyway). Sulukinak felt she had crossed from one world to another.

Around them, the mist. The voice of the man. He sounded -- not dangerous, as ice mother had said; not friendly either, but something between.

Are you a spirit? she tested her voice, having rarely needed it. This was as bold as the girl could be, for now.